Swimming and bathing appliance



1,480,366 w. BERGERSON SWIMMING AND BATHING APPLIANCE Jan. 8 1924.

[Filed Sept. 13. 1923 7K ,5 eye/1mm,

I x I r Patented Jan. 8, 1924.

UNITED 1* STAY-TIES,

PATE TO swmivrme'snn ma ma errmelvon.

Application filed September 13,1923; Serial m.'ee2,442.

tain new and useful Improvements in Swim-.

ming'and Bathing Appliances, of whichthe following'is a specification.

This invention relates to an improved form of swimming and bathing appliance.

and has particular reference to an improved form of sock adapted to be worn so as to enable a person to swim'fastly and easily and to walk almost upright in the water with very little effort exerted solely for keeping a balance.

The primary object of the present inven tion is to provide a device ofthe above kind which embraces the desired qualities of simplicity, durability, and efficiency in operation, the device being particularly serviceable for use in connection with water wings or other similar appliances for assisting a swimmer to travel in the water or for assisting persons in learning toswim.

Other objects will appear asthe nature of the invention is betterunderstood,and the same consists in the novel form, combination, and arrangement of parts-hereinafter more fully described, shown in the accompanying drawings and claimed.

In-the drawing, the view is'a perspective" view showing the device applied upon the leg and foot of the user, the device being shown in its operative position when the user is taking an impulsive stroke.

Referring more in detail to the drawing, the invention embodies a sock 5 adapted to be worn in a manner similar to ordinary articles of apparel known by that name and either constructed with a broad band as at 6 adapted to lie under the instep or to provide an entire covering for the foot as found most desirable. The sock is held against rolling down by the provision of an elastic band 7 around the upper part thereof which functions to hold the sock snugly against the leg of the wearer at this point.

In accordance with the present invention, a broad collar or band 8 encircles the leg portion of the sock above the calf, and has the inner edge thereof suitably rigidly secured to the leg of the sock, said band being of slightly downwardly flared form as shown, and being of a size predetermined by the Weight of the person for whom it is made.

7, 41,480,366 ,F Eia i 1 WILLIAM BERGERsonor'nnooKL-YN, new YORK.

- Substantially triangular longitudinal or vertical webs 9 of strongflexible material,

are fastened'in spaced relation onthe leg of the sock beneaththe band or collar 8, said triangularmembers or means being secured* edgewise against the under surface of the collar 8 and extending downwardly on the leg of thesock with the mner edges thereof secured to the latter. i

These radial veins divide the spaceibe neath the oollar 8 into a plurality of come partinents and't-he collar 8 isprovided with a plurality of openings '10, each of which communicates with one of said compartments adjacent the inner edge of the collar 8. These openings permit a slow passage of water through the collar 8 so as to relieve the latter of undue strains in the use of the device. The veins or webs 9 prevent turn con'e shaped cups or pockets 11 above the ankles at each side of the strap, said pockets being provided with relatively large lower openends and having small openings as at 12 at their upper ends to operate similar to the openings '10 for relieving the pockets 11 of undue strain. In operation, the parts 8, 9 and 11, while drawing the legs toward the body inv the water, will lie close to the legs due tothe force of the water, and in extending the legs as in swimming and treading water, will open as shown. in the drawings for offering resistance to the passage of the foot'and leg thru the water for thereby causing forward travelling movement of the user.

The device is preferably constructed of canvas, duck, or rubber, preferably the latter, and it'is essentialthat the elements be flexible so as to operate as described above and provide for the comfort of the user.

Minor changes may be made without departing from the invention as claimed.

What I claim as new is:

1. A swimming and bathing appliance of c the character described including a sock having a downwardly'flaredcollar secured spirit and scope of the to the leg portion thereof, flexible webs secured longitudinally of the leg portion of;

the sock and having their upper edges secured to the under surface of the collar forv preventing turningpf the latter upwardly 75 ing of the collar '8 inside out or flexing of to an undue extent, said Webs being 'arranged in uniformly spaced relation in a circularseries about the leg of the sock-and dividing the space beneath the collar into a plurality of compartments, and relatively small openings being provided thru the collar adjacent the inner edge of the latter, each opening communicating with one of said compartments. a

2. A swimming and bathing appliance of the character described including a sock having a downwardly flared collar secured to the leg portion thereof, flexible Webs secured longitudinally'ofthe leg portion of the sock and having their upper edges secured to the under surface or the collar for preventing turning of the latter upwardly to an undue extent, substantially semi-cone shaped pockets provided on the sides of the sock directly above the ankle portions of the latter, said pockets having relatively large open lower ends, and relatively small openings being provided through the upper ends 1 OLE-the pockets p 3. A swimming and. bathing appliance of the character described including a sock having a downwardly flared collar secured to-the leg portion-thereof, flexible Webs secured longitudinally of the leg portion of V the sock and having their upperedges secured to the under-surface of the collar for preventing turning of the latter upwardly cidental rolling of'the soc-ks downwardly on the leg of the wearer.

In testimony whereof I afiix vmy 'signae ture.

WILLIAM nnnonnsoivj 

